Lauren to miss Albury clash

By
BRETT KOHLHAGEN

Lauren to miss Albury clash

BORDER basketball fans have been left devastated by news Albury superstar Lauren ­Jackson will almost certainly not play in the Canberra ­Capitals’ clash with Bendigo at the stadium named in her honour next weekend.

Despite undergoing weeks of treatment for a chronic hamstring ­injury, Jackson has failed to make a full recovery with the WNBL ­confirming yesterday she would be ­“sidelined indefinitely”.

More than 600 tickets have been sold for the ­November 18 clash with the league-leading Spirit.

“I have full confidence in the medical and support team here,” Jackson said.

“I’m glad the team have been playing well and I’m so disappointed I’m not out there with them.

“I’m doing all I can to get past this and on court.”

Since returning to Australia last month, Jackson has undergone treatment for the injury she acquired while playing with the Australian national team in June.

She had returned to Canberra Capitals’ training while undergoing intensive rehabilitation, including an injection to relieve nerve pain, but was still experiencing nerve and muscle pain — particularly while running.

Basketball ACT boss Tony Jackson said Jackson’s health was the top priority.

“It’s crucial that we take a cautious approach here,” he said.

“As I’ve said before, our top priority is Lauren’s welfare, so we’ll take every precautionary measure we need to in order to protect the longevity of her career.”

Lauren Jackson Sports Centre manager Michael Stanton was reluctant to comment last night but said he would meet with Basketball ACT today.